Dan Mandel Philipson

Dan Shimshon Mandel Philipson, the son of Pia and Michael, was born in Norway on 8 February 2005. He was a brother to Netanel, Joel, and Avigail. The Izkor website also commemorates him by the shorter name Dan Philipson. Dan immigrated to Israel from Norway and served as a lone soldier. At his funeral, his mother said that after October 7 it had become harder to be Jewish in Norway, and that her son felt he was part of the people of Israel and chose to leave his life there behind.

On 29 December 2024, Dan enlisted in the IDF. He began his service at Michve Alon, in a Hebrew-language program, and later joined the Paratroopers Brigade. At the time of his death, he was a combat soldier in training at the brigade's training base. The Paratroopers Association website preserves his full name, rank, and training role. Members of his adoptive family in Israel remembered the motivation he brought to his service, his smile, and his joy at the ceremony at the Western Wall.

Hundreds of people came to accompany Dan on his final journey at Mount Herzl, after his family appealed to the public. His mother Pia described someone for whom friendship and justice mattered, and called on those present to preserve unity and truly see one another. His siblings spoke of shared experiences and plans they would no longer be able to fulfill together. His eldest brother Netanel recalled his questions about Shabbat and a minyan, and his efforts to attend prayers. Their words preserved both his dreams and the changes he had undergone since coming to Israel.

Corporal Dan Philipson died in the line of duty during the war, aged twenty. Izkor and the Paratroopers Association page give the date of his death as 22 Tammuz 5785, 18 July 2025. His resting place is Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, block A, section 23, row 14, grave 2. He is survived by his parents and three siblings. His memory is preserved on memorial pages and in the words his family and loved ones spoke at his funeral. May his memory be a blessing.